What kinds of blocks exist
In Russia, domains, IPs, protocols and whole services can get blocked or throttled. Knowing the type of restriction points you to the right fix:
- Domain block, the site won't open at all
- IP block, won't open even if you type the address manually
- Throttling (DPI), the site opens but media and video die
- Whole-service coverage, the app runs but content won't load
Methods compared
| Method | What it masks | Speed | Reliability | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proxy | One protocol | Low-mid | Low (gets banned) | Medium |
| DNS-over-HTTPS/TLS | DNS queries only | High | Low (IP still blocked) | Low |
| VPN (VLESS + Reality etc.) | All traffic | High | High | Low |
| TOR | All traffic | Low | High | Medium |
1. Proxy
A proxy server stands in for one protocol. It works when a single app needs access (say, an MTProto proxy for Telegram).
Cons: public proxies get detected and banned fast; speed is usually low; each proxy handles one protocol.
2. DNS-over-HTTPS / DNS-over-TLS
Switches DNS queries to encrypted ones so they can't be tampered with. Fixes "domain won't resolve" but not IP blocks or throttling.
Cons: if the site is blocked at IP level or throttled by DPI, it won't help. It's a helper, not the main tool.
3. VPN, the reliable fix
A VPN encrypts all traffic and sends it through a foreign server. Filters see only an encrypted tunnel and can neither throttle nor inspect where you go.
But not any VPN. You need masking protocols:
- VLESS + Reality, looks like a normal HTTPS site
- XHTTP, masks as an API request
- Hysteria2, over QUIC, resists packet loss
- gRPC, looks like HTTP/2 RPC
A VPN handles all three block types at once, domain, IP and throttling. Speed depends on server and plan. We keep servers in 12+ countries with up to 1-10 Gbit/s throughput.
4. TOR
Routes traffic through a chain of volunteer nodes. Maximum anonymity, but:
- speed drops hard, video and games won't survive
- some sites block TOR exit nodes
- nodes can be compromised
Fine for one-off tasks where anonymity is critical. Not for daily comfort.
What to pick for your task
- Browsing and social media, VPN (VLESS + Reality). A proxy works but is unreliable
- Video and streaming, VPN, server nearby (Europe). TOR and proxies don't cut it
- Games and Discord, VPN with low ping (Hysteria2/QUIC), server nearby
- One-off anonymous errand, TOR or VPN plus private browsing
Whitelists: don't overdo it
You don't have to push all traffic through a VPN. Many clients route only chosen apps or sites through the tunnel ("rules" or "proxy mode"). Normal internet stays fast, only what's actually blocked goes encrypted.
In our clients (Happ, INCY and others) this takes a minute: add the app, and it automatically uses the tunnel.
Safety
- Stick to HTTPS versions of sites (padlock in the address bar)
- Don't type passwords and card data on shady mirrors of blocked sites
- Turn on two-factor authentication on important accounts
- A VPN gives access, it doesn't protect you from phishing
FAQ
Does changing DNS help with YouTube? For YouTube throttling, no, you need a VPN with a masked protocol. DNS only helps when the domain won't resolve.
Easiest way to bypass from a phone? Install a VPN client (Happ, INCY or similar), import the subscription, connect a server, literally 2-3 minutes.
Which country's server should I pick? For Russia, Europe (Germany, the Netherlands, Finland) gives low ping and high speed. For US-only services, the US.